The Martha Howell Young Flower Garden at Cornell Plantations is blossoming into a robust and colorful floral symphony, according to horticulturists who invite the public to inspect their handiwork.

"Last season, the garden was in a state of upheaval, with newly laid waterlines and flagstone paths and redesigned beds. So it's particularly exciting to watch the flower display unfolding in the garden this year," says gardener Diane Miske. "Each day surprises me with the flowering of some new variety I haven't seen before."

Among the intricate and ever-changing displays, which are heightened by ornamental shrubs and perennial and annual flowers, are special features:

• A succession of stately lilies promise a colorful summer, replacing springtime bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.
• Cheerful shasta daisies and raspberry-colored bursts of bee balm add to the summer show. -- Other flowers, including asters and chrysanthemums, will bloom in the Young Garden in the late summer and fall.
• Interpretive signs in the garden reveal the history, lore and symbolism of selected flowers and are illustrated with pictures of these plants in art throughout the ages.

The Young Garden is adjacent to the Herb Garden, in front of Plantations headquarters building, off Plantations Road. Limited parking is available. Like other Plantations collections, the Young Garden is open, free of charge to the public, during daylight hours. More information on this and other Cornell Plantations gardens is available at the Garden Gift Shop, by calling (607) 255-3020 or by visiting the Plantations web site at .